Method for computer network operation providing basis for usage fees

Abstract

A computer network having a requesting node and a providing node permits data transfer therebetween when permitted by an authorizing node. Reports generated in response to authorizations and reports generated in response to data transfers are reconciled at a reconciliation node to improve the accuracy of payments collected and paid for use of the data. Such payments include copyright royalties for audio, video, and other works recorded in digital format.

1. A method for assuring security in a content delivery system, the method comprising:
 receiving a first report comprising indicia of a plurality of permits, wherein the first report is prepared in response to a plurality of first requests and wherein each first request of the plurality of first requests is for requesting a respective permit of the plurality of permits; 
 receiving a second report comprising indicia of a request for a digital work, wherein the digital work is indicated by a particular permit of the plurality of permits; 
 determining an absence from the first report of indicia of the particular permit indicating the digital work contained in the second report; and 
 determining that a security violation has occurred in response to determining the absence of the indicia of the particular permit. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1  being performed by a reconciling node. 
     
     
       3. The method of  2  wherein the reconciling node receives the first report from a content providing node. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 3  wherein the reconciling node receives the second report as a consequence of delivery by the content delivery system of the digital work. 
     
     
       5. A memory device comprising instructions for performing the method of  claim 1 . 
     
     
       6. A memory device comprising instructions for performing the method of  claim 2 . 
     
     
       7. A memory device comprising instructions for performing the method of  claim 3 . 
     
     
       8. A memory device comprising instructions for performing the method of  claim 4 . 
     
     
       9. A reconciling system for assuring security in content delivery, the reconciling system comprising:
 means for receiving a first report comprising indicia of a plurality of permits, wherein the first report is prepared in response to a plurality of first requests, each of the plurality of first requests being for requesting a respective permit of the plurality of permits; 
 means for receiving a second report comprising indicia of a request for a digital work, wherein the digital work is indicated by a particular permit of the plurality of permits; 
 means for determining an absence from the first report of indicia of the particular permit indicating the digital work; and 
 means for determining that a security violation has occurred in response to determining the absence of the indicia of the particular permit. 
 
     
     
       10. A reconciling node comprising the reconciling system of  claim 9 . 
     
     
       11. The reconciling system of  claim 9  wherein a content providing node receives the first report. 
     
     
       12. The reconciling system of  claim 9  wherein the second report is received as a consequence of delivery of the digital work.